Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester said she hopes moderate Republicans succeed in securing a vote protecting Dreamers, undocumented young adults brought here as children.
Conservative House Republicans say they won’t approve legislation that gives farmers a safety net until a bill that reigns in illegal immigration is considered.
Blunt Rochester said moderate Republicans are trying what’s called a "Queen of the Hill" strategy on immigration - votes on four bills and whatever receives the most support wins. She supports their efforts.
“Right now it looks like the Republicans have the votes to push that petition over the top and allow us to have a vote on something. So, we’re cautiously optimistic.”
Blunt Rochester says she hopes the prevailing legislation includes a path to citizenship for young adults brought here as kids, also known as dreamers.
“If we can get this Queen of the Hill through and the votes come in. Like I said, we’re cautiously optimistic.”
She also supports a bill giving Dreamers permanent lawful status, but not citizenship.
Republicans have currently scheduled a vote in late June on legislation that includes border wall funding, cuts to legal immigration and the ability for dreamers to get renewable three-year work permits.
The House will vote on the Farm Bill a few days after that.
Blunt Rochester still opposes the Farm Bill because it includes stricter eligibility requirements and spending cuts to the federal food stamps program.
